2,500 residents of Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in southern Ukraine, began evacuating as part of a joint humanitarian operation, the first of its kind in over four years of war. The operation, facilitated by a ceasefire brokered by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, allows residents to safely leave the area or receive aid if they choose to stay.
The evacuation involved 25 buses, 9 ambulances, and over 500 evacuees, with some heading to Russia and others to Ukraine. Russian and Ukrainian officials coordinated the operation, with Russian officials noting that many residents opted to stay despite the risks of mine-strewn roads. The operation was supported by a ceasefire that lasted from October 27 to November 1.
The operation highlights a rare cooperation between Russian and Ukrainian institutions, aimed at improving U.S. President Donald Trump's chances of mediating a peace deal. Both sides seek to avoid blame on Trump and maintain his involvement in the peace process, despite ongoing disagreements on the conflict's resolution. The operation also underscores the challenges of humanitarian aid in a war zone, with residents facing severe food and medical shortages.